BACKGROUND
I. Field
[0001] The following description relates generally to wireless communications, and more
particularly to methods and systems to that enable quality of service (QoS) differentiation
and/or prioritization across multiple base stations within a wireless communications
system.
II. Background
[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication;
for instance, voice and/or data can be provided
via such wireless communication systems. A typical wireless communication system, or
network, can provide multiple users access to one or more shared resources (e.g.,
bandwidth, transmit power, ...). For instance, a system can use a variety of multiple
access techniques such as Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Time Division Multiplexing
(TDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
(OFDM), and others.
[0003] Generally, wireless multiple-access communication systems can simultaneously support
communication for multiple access terminals. Each access terminal can communicate
with one or more base stations
via transmissions on forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers
to the communication link from base stations to access terminals, and the reverse
link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from access terminals to base stations.
This communication link can be established
via a single-in-single-out, multiple-in-single-out or a multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO)
system.
[0004] MIMO systems commonly employ multiple (
NT) transmit antennas and multiple (
NR) receive antennas for data transmission. A MIMO channel formed by the
NT transmit and
NR receive antennas can be decomposed into
NS independent channels, which can be referred to as spatial channels, where
NS ≤ {
NT,
NR}. Each of the
NS independent channels corresponds to a dimension. Moreover, MIMO systems can provide
improved performance (
e.
g., increased spectral efficiency, higher throughput and/or greater reliability) if
the additional dimensionalities created by the multiple transmit and receive antennas
are utilized.
[0005] MIMO systems can support various duplexing techniques to divide forward and reverse
link communications over a common physical medium. For instance, frequency division
duplex (FDD) systems can utilize disparate frequency regions for forward and reverse
link communications. Further, in time division duplex (TDD) systems, forward and reverse
link communications can employ a common frequency region so that the reciprocity principle
allows estimation of the forward link channel from reverse link channel.
[0006] Wireless communication systems oftentimes employ one or more base stations that provide
a coverage area. A typical base station can transmit multiple data streams for broadcast,
multicast and/or unicast services, wherein a data stream may be a stream of data that
can be of independent reception interest to an access terminal. An access terminal
within the coverage area of such base station can be employed to receive one, more
than one, or all the data streams carried by the composite stream. Likewise, an access
terminal can transmit data to the base station or another access terminal.
[0007] In recent years, users have started to replace fixed line communications with mobile
communications and have increasingly demanded great voice quality, reliable service,
and low prices.
[0008] In addition to mobile phone networks currently in place, a new class of small base
station has emerged, which may be installed in a user's home or office and provide
indoor wireless coverage to mobile units using existing broadband Internet connections.
Such personal miniature base stations are generally known as access point base stations,
or, alternatively, Home Node B (HNB) or femtocells. Typically, such miniature base
stations are connected to the Internet and the mobile operator's network via DSL router
or cable modem.
[0009] The
EP 0841827 relates to a TDM-based fixed wireless loop system comprising a plurality of cells
each having a base station and a plurality of terminals. A cell controller associated
with each base station allocates communication time slots so as to minimize mutual
interference between base station/ terminal links sharing the same time slot.
[0010] US 2003/0117964 A1 discloses a base station that comprises a self-station priority control circuit and
a peripheral base station interface circuit. A Qos monitoring circuit monitors the
"Qos (at least any one of a delay jitter, an error rate, and a transmission rate of
the uplink packet in this embodiment)" in a signal demultiplexer circuit and judges
whether or not the Qos of the uplink packet is ensured, or judges whether or not the
resources necessary for a new uplink packet are secured. The self-station priority
control circuit performs resource control in accordance with urgency of the resource
allocation control request from the peripheral base station interface circuit. For
example, in accordance with the urgency of the resource allocation control request
from the peripheral base station interface circuit, the self-station priority control
circuit temporarily suppresses the use of resources for transmitting non-real time
packets, packets of low priority, or real time packets having a margin for Qos within
the own cell. The peripheral base station interface circuit is connected to the self-station
priority control circuit. In accordance with the notification from the self-station
priority control circuit, the peripheral base station interface circuit transmits
the resource allocation control request and the resource allocation control release
request to each peripheral base stations in a certain cycle or as needed.
SUMMARY
[0011] The invention is defines by the independent claims. The following presents a simplified
summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of such
embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments,
and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor
delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some
concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later. The embodiments and/or examples of the
following description which are not covered by the appended claims are considered
as not being part of the present invention.
[0012] In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding discussion thereof,
various aspects are described in connection with effectuating and/or facilitating
quality of service (QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality
of base stations situated in wireless communications network. The claimed subject
matter consists of informational signaling mechanisms to achieve network wide quality
of service (QoS) targets through base station (or cell) cooperation. A notion of aggregate
cell congestion is defined, based on the quality of service (QoS) status of each constituent
flow traversing through cells controlled or serviced by a base station. Associated
with the aggregate congestion state is an aggregate cell priority, based on the quality
of service (QoS) priority levels that already exist for the constituent flows. This
congestion information can be passed between cells or base stations that control or
service cells, and the messaging can be triggered based on a cell's quality of service
(QoS) needs and perceived local network environment. The cell congestion concept based
on aggregate cell flow quality of service (QoS) status can be utilized by each base
station controlling or servicing cells in a distributed fashion to coordinate overall
network resource usage and achieve fair quality of service (QoS) flow behavior across
the network.
[0013] The claimed subject matter in accordance with various aspects set forth herein provides
an apparatus operable in a wireless communication system wherein the apparatus comprises
a processor, configured to obtain a current resource allocation for one or more cells
controlled by a first base station, ascertain whether the current resource allocation
satisfies a quality of service target associated with data flows traversing through
at least one of the one or more cells controlled by the first base station, and dispatch
an inter cell interference coordination indicator to a second base station, and memory
coupled to the processor for persisting data.
[0014] Additionally, the claimed subject matter in accordance with further aspects provides
various methodologies utilized in wireless communications systems, the method comprising
the acts of soliciting a current resource allocation for cells controlled by a first
base station, ascertaining whether or not the current resource allocation satisfies
quality of service targets associated with data flows traversing through at least
one of the cells controlled by the first base station, and disseminating an inter
cell interference coordination indicator to a second base station.
[0015] Moreover, the claimed subject matter in accordance with yet further aspects set forth
herein also provides an apparatus operable in wireless communication systems wherein
the apparatus includes memory that retains instructions related to obtaining resource
allocations for cells controlled by a first base station, ascertaining whether the
resource allocations satisfy quality of service targets associated with data flows
traversing through the cells controlled by the first base station, and subsequently
or contemporaneously dispatching inter cell interference coordination indicators to
a second base station; and processors, coupled to the memory, configured to execute
the instructions retained in memory.
[0016] Furthermore and in accordance with yet further aspects described herein, the claimed
subject matter provides an apparatus operable in wireless communication systems that
includes means for obtaining a current resource allocation for cells controlled by
a first base station, means for ascertaining whether or not the current resource allocation
satisfies a quality of service target associated with data flows traversing through
at least one of the one or more cells controlled by the first base station, and means
for dispatching inter cell interference coordination indicators to neighboring or
proximate base stations.
[0017] In addition and in accordance with further aspects elucidated herein, the claimed
matter also provides a computer-program product, the computer-program product comprising
code for obtaining current resource allocations for cells controlled by a base station,
code for ascertaining whether the resource allocations satisfy quality of service
targets associated with data flow traversing through the cells controlled by the base
station, and code for communicating inter cell interference coordination indicators
to neighboring base stations.
[0018] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more embodiments
comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in
the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail
certain illustrative aspects of the one or more embodiments. These aspects are indicative,
however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments
can be employed and the described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019]
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wireless communication system in accordance with various
aspects set forth herein.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example system that effectuates quality of service
(QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations situated
in a wireless communication environment.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example system that effectuates quality of service
(QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations situated
in a wireless communication environment.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example system that effectuates quality of service
(QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations situated
in a wireless communication environment.
FIGs. 5-7 illustrate example methodologies that facilitate quality of service (QoS)
differentiation and/or prioritization across one or more neighboring base stations
in accordance with aspects of the claimed subject matter.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example system that facilitates quality of service
(QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations situated
in a wireless communication environment.
FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example wireless network environment that can be employed
in conjunction with the various systems and methods described herein.
FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example system that enables utilizing quality of
service (QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across one or more neighboring
base stations in a wireless communication environment.
FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example system that enables utilizing quality of
service (QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across one or more neighboring
base stations in a wireless communication environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like
reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following
description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be
evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific
details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block
diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more embodiments.
[0021] As used in this application, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like
are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination
of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component
can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor,
an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By
way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing
device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or
thread of execution and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various
computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components
can communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with
a signal having one or more data packets
(e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed
system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems by way of
the signal).
[0022] The techniques described herein can be used for various wireless communication systems
such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),
frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple
access (OFDMA), single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and other
systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system
can implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA),
CDMA2000,
etc. UTRA includes Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) and other variants of CDMA. CDMA2000 covers
IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA system can implement a radio technology
such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system can implement
a radio technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE
802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM,
etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). 3GPP
Long Term Evolution (LTE) is an upcoming release of UMTS that uses E-UTRA, which employs
OFDMA on the downlink and SC-FDMA on the uplink.
[0023] Single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) utilizes single carrier
modulation and frequency domain equalization. SC-FDMA has similar performance and
essentially the same overall complexity as those of an OFDMA system. A SC-FDMA signal
has lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) because of its inherent single carrier
structure. SC-FDMA can be used, for instance, in uplink communications where lower
PAPR greatly benefits access terminals in terms of transmit power efficiency. Accordingly,
SC-FDMA can be implemented as an uplink multiple access scheme in 3GPP Long Term Evolution
(LTE) or Evolved UTRA.
[0024] Furthermore, various embodiments are described herein in connection with an access
terminal. An access terminal can also be called a system, subscriber unit, subscriber
station, mobile station, mobile, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user
terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device, or user
equipment (UE). An access terminal can be a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone,
a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device having wireless connection capability,
computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. Moreover,
various embodiments are described herein in connection with a base station. A base
station can be utilized for communicating with access terminal(s) and can also be
referred to as an access point, Node B, Evolved Node B (eNodeB) or some other terminology.
[0025] Moreover, various aspects or features described herein can be implemented as a method,
apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering
techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass
a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.
For example, computer-readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage
devices
(e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips,
etc.), optical disks
(e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD),
etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices
(e.g., EPROM, card, stick, key drive,
etc.). Additionally, various storage media described herein can represent one or more devices
and/or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable
medium" can include, without being limited to, wireless channels and various other
media capable of storing, containing, and/or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.
[0026] Referring now to
Fig. 1, a wireless communication system 100 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments
presented herein. System 100 comprises a base station 102 that can include multiple
antenna groups. For example, one antenna group can include antennas 104 and 106, another
group can comprise antennas 108 and 110, and an additional group can include antennas
112 and 114. Two antennas are illustrated for each antenna group; however, more or
fewer antennas can be utilized for each group. Base station 102 can additionally include
a transmitter chain and a receiver chain, each of which can in turn comprise a plurality
of components associated with signal transmission and reception (
e.
g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas,
etc.), as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0027] Base station 102 can communicate with one or more access terminals such as access
terminal 116 and access terminal 122; however, it is to be appreciated that base station
102 can communicate with substantially any number of access terminals similar to access
terminals 116 and 122. Access terminals 116 and 122 can be, for example, cellular
phones, smart phones, laptops, handheld communication devices, handheld computing
devices, satellite radios, global positioning systems, PDAs, and/or any other suitable
device for communicating over wireless communication system 100. As depicted, access
terminal 116 is in communication with antennas 112 and 114, where antennas 112 and
114 transmit information to access terminal 116 over a forward link 118 and receive
information from access terminal 116 over a reverse link 120. Moreover, access terminal
122 is in communication with antennas 104 and 106, where antennas 104 and 106 transmit
information to access terminal 122 over a forward link 124 and receive information
from access terminal 122 over a reverse link 126. In a frequency division duplex (FDD)
system, forward link 118 can utilize a different frequency band than that used by
reverse link 120, and forward link 124 can employ a different frequency band than
that employed by reverse link 126, for example. Further, in a time division duplex
(TDD) system, forward link 118 and reverse link 120 can utilize a common frequency
band and forward link 124 and reverse link 126 can utilize a common frequency band.
[0028] Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are designated to communicate
can be referred to as a sector of base station 102. For example, antenna groups can
be designed to communicate to access terminals in a sector of the areas covered by
base station 102. In communication over forward links 118 and 124, the transmitting
antennas of base station 102 can utilize beamforming to improve signal-to-noise ratio
of forward links 118 and 124 for access terminals 116 and 122. Also, while base station
102 utilizes beamforming to transmit to access terminals 116 and 122 scattered randomly
through an associated coverage, access terminals in neighboring cells can be subject
to less interference as compared to a base station transmitting through a single antenna
to all its access terminals.
[0029] Prior to embarking on an extensive discussion and overview of the claimed subject
matter, it should be noted, without limitation or loss of generality, that the while
the claimed subject matter is elucidated in terms of the downlink aspects of quality
of service (QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across multiple base stations,
the claimed matter with equal facility and/or functionality can have application to
the uplink analogs of quality of service (QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization
across multiple base stations as well.
[0030] Cell edge users can benefit significantly from a reduction in interference power
from neighboring cells. Efficiency of cell resource utilization can thus be enhanced
if there is cooperation across base stations or eNodeB's, coordinating power use across
physical resource blocks (PRBs). Utilization of inter cell interference coordination
(ICIC) signaling as employed by the claimed subject matter can create a mechanism
that achieves this type of coordination. Groups of cells that successfully coordinate
transmissions and/or received transmissions can, as a result, benefit each cell in
its overall resource efficiency, making such schemes of value even when no specific
relative quality of service (QoS) status is necessarily shared.
[0031] Nevertheless, in addition to the aforementioned efficiency gain, it can also be possible
to balance quality of service (QoS) requirements across cells through the sharing
of quality of service (QoS) status information. This quality of service (QoS) information
should be based at least in part on overall cell congestion (e.g., upload (UL) congestion
and download (DL) congestion), and should take into account the priority of the congested
Radio Bearers or flows of data, thereby enabling resource allocation tradeoffs based
on relative quality of service (QoS) priority across cells.
[0032] The claimed subject matter in accordance with the various aspects set forth herein,
adds a bit field to an inter cell interference coordinator (ICIC) indicator, the bit
field defines the highest-priority Radio Bearer or flow that is currently congested
in a cell, wherein a state of congestion can typically occur when one of the quality
of service (QoS) targets (e.g., delay, guaranteed bit rate, ...) for the given Radio
Bearer or data flow is consistently not being met. The number of bits added to the
inter cell interference coordination (ICIC) indicator can be similar to that needed
for exactly one priority level. For instance, the number of bits added to the inter
cell interference coordination (ICIC) indicator can be the number of bits that are
necessary to code at least one 3GPP Rel. 8 quality of service priority (QoS) number.
Further there can be one reserved bit that can indicate that no Radio Bearer of flow
is currently in congestion. Typically, the inter cell interference coordinator (ICIC)
indicator can be triggered anytime there is a change in the highest priority level
of a congested Radio Bearer or flow, or when the per-physical resource block (PRB)
bit pattern is adjusted, in addition to other triggers that can be defined that are
not based directly on quality of service (QoS) considerations.
[0033] Fig. 2 provides illustration of a system 200 that facilitates and/or effectuates Quality
of Service (QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality of base
stations (202
1, ..., 202
Z, where Z denotes an integer greater than zero), wherein each of the plurality of
base stations (202
1, ..., 202
Z) are in a proximate relationship with one another such that cells controlled or serviced
by each base station can cause interference to cells controlled or serviced by its
neighbors during the transmit and/or receive phase of operations. Further as illustrated,
base stations (202
1, ..., 202
Z) can control or service one or more cells, such as cells 204
1 (e.g., cells A
1, B
1, C
1, ...) and cells 204
Z (e.g., A
Z, B
Z, C
Z, ...). It should be noted without limitation or loss of generality, that while only
three cells have been depicted as being controlled by each of base station 202
1 and/or base station 202
Z, a greater or fewer number of cells can be controlled or serviced by its corresponding
base station. Additionally, it should further be noted that each of the one or more
cells 204
1 and/or one or more cells 204
Z can be divided into one or more sectors comprising further cells. Base station 202
1, ..., base station 202
Z can transmit and/or receive information, signals, data, instructions, commands, bits,
symbols, and the like. It is also to be appreciated that the term base station as
utilized herein can also refer to an access point, Node B, Evolved Node B (e.g., eNodeB,
eNB) or referred to by some other terminology. Also, although not depicted, it is
to be appreciated that base station 202
1, ..., base station 202
Z can be in continuous and/or intermittent correspondence or communication with one
or more access terminals or user equipment. Moreover, although not illustrated, it
is to be further appreciated, without limitation or loss of generality, that base
station 202
1, ..., base station 202
Z can be substantially similar. According to an illustration, system 200 can be a Long
Term Evolution (LTE) based system; however, the claimed subject matter is not necessarily
so limited.
[0034] Base stations 202
1, ..., 202
Z, as illustrated through cooperation with one another can obtain efficiency gains
and mitigate inter-cellular interference by coordinating power usage across physical
resource blocks. Such coordination can be accomplished by utilization of inter cell
interference coordination (ICIC) signaling wherein each base station 202
1, ..., 202
Z controlling its respective cells (e.g., 204
1, ..., 204
Z) can correspond or communicate with one another so that they can coordinate their
operations (e.g., transmissions and/or received transmission) in such a manner that
enhances overall resource efficiency as well as balancing quality of service (QoS)
requirements across cells 202
1, ..., 202
Z by sharing quality of service (QoS) status information.
[0035] Currently, Long Term Evolution (LTE) based systems have a concept of an X2 channel
wherein base stations 202
1, ..., 202
Z can be connected via associated X2 interfaces to one another. However, since the
mobility mechanism as conceptualized by the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard does
not include an anchor point in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Radio Access Network
(RAN), the X2 channel/interface can typically only be used between base stations (e.g.,
202
1, ..., 202
Z) that have proximate or neighboring cells. Nonetheless, the X2 channel/interface
can provide a direct connection between a first base station (e.g., 202
1) and a second base station (e.g., 202
Z), wherein the first base station (e.g., 202
1) controls or services one or more cells 204
1 (e.g.,A
1, B
1, C
1, ...) that are in a proximate relationship with one or more cells 204
Z (e.g., A
Z, B
Z, C
Z, ...) controlled or serviced by base station 202
Z such that the proximate relationship between one or more of the cells 204
1 or cells 204
Z causes inter cell interference. For instance, cell C
1 controlled by base station 202
1 can be adjacent or contiguous to and interfering with transmissions and/or received
transmissions to/from cell A
Z controlled by base station 202
Z.
[0036] To date, there have been successful efforts to utilize quality of service (QoS) metrics
on an intra-cellular basis (e.g., within cells controlled by the same base station)
since access terminals or user equipment when they come within the ambit of cells
(e.g., 204
1, ..., 204
Z) controlled or serviced by a base station (e.g., base stations 202
1, ..., 202
Z) are typically assigned or allocated to a single cell based at least in part on signal
quality. Central to the success of such efforts has been the role of the scheduler
that typically controls resources allocated to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP),
video, best effort, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and the like. Additionally,
the scheduler has generally also been responsible for setting up and handling flows
subject to quality of service (QoS) constraints (e.g., controlling the quality of
the quality of service (QoS) received by particular flows allocated particular resources),
etc. Nevertheless, there are and always have been intrinsic couplings between or across
cells (e.g., 204
1, ..., 204
Z) in that cells (e.g., 204
1, ..., 204
Z) controlled by disparate or different base stations (e.g., base stations 202
1, ..., 202
Z) can affect each other by creating/generating interference to each other.
[0037] Interference between cells serviced or controlled by different or disparate base
stations and the consequent diminution of quality of service (QoS) to flows associated
with both interfering cells (e.g., cell C
1 and A
Z) has nevertheless at the very least been overlooked, discounted, or deprecated given
the current overarching operational archetype with respect to intra-cellular centrism.
This intra-cellular centrism can be illustrated as follows, wherein base station 202
1 on perceiving the reduced quality of service (QoS) experienced by flows associated
with cell C
1 effectuates resource allocations and scheduling schemes to ensure that the flows
within cell C
1 and subject to the diminution attain their quality of service (QoS) targets, whereas
base station 202
Z can actuate other probably dissonant resource allocations and scheduling paradigms
to assure that flows associated with cell A
Z can realize their quality of service (QoS) goals. Nevertheless, and as will be appreciated
by those moderately adroit in this field of endeavor, the resource allocations and/or
scheduling schemes implemented by each of base station 202
1 and base station 202
Z in their respective, individual, and independent endeavors to ensure that local quality
of service (QoS) targets associated with data flows (and/or impinged data flows) passing
through each of the cells under their respective control, can cause interference to
one another; or more succinctly put, each of base station 202
1 and base station 202
Z in its independent endeavors to control and maximize local quality of service (QoS)
targets associated with data flows under their respective control causes mutual interference
to the other. Accordingly, there currently are no mechanisms to control when and/or
how quality of service (QoS) metrics should be applied throughout a wireless cellular
system, and especially, when and/or how quality of service (QoS) metrics can be applied
with respect to neighboring cells (e.g., C
1 and A
Z) controlled or serviced by disparate or different base stations (e.g., base station
202
1 and base station 202
Z respectively).
[0038] The claimed subject matter, as illustrated in
Fig. 2, provides a network wide quality of service (QoS) mechanism rather than a cell centric
quality of service (QoS) mechanism. It should be noted without limitation or loss
of generality that the claimed subject does not supplant the current cell centric
quality of service (QoS) mechanism, but rather augments or provides an adjunct to
the current quality of service (QoS) mechanism, whereby base stations (e.g., base
stations 202
1, ..., 202
Z) can coordinate their resource allocations and/or scheduling schemes in a manner
that reduces or mitigates inter-cell/cross cell interference where the interfering
cells are controlled by different but proximate base stations.
[0039] Implementation of the claimed subject matter can thus lead to efficiency improvement
through interference avoidance. For instance, resource allocations and/or scheduling
policies, implemented by base station 202
1 with respect to cell C
1 in furtherance of quality of service (QoS) targets associated with various tasks
or flows disseminated via C
1, can be selected so as not to interfere with the quality of service (QoS) targets
associated with the various tasks or flows being dispatched by cell A
Z, where cell A
Z is controlled by a disparate base station (e.g., base station 202
Z). To achieve such efficiency advantages through interference avoidance, base station
202
1 in reducing inter-cell/cross-cell interference to cell A
Z, can identify resource allocations and/or scheduling policies for use by cell C
1 that are not inimical with the throughput of flows to meet quality of service (QoS)
targets within cell A
Z. Similarly, base station 202
Z in reducing cross-cell interference to cell C
1 controlled or serviced by base station 202
1 can adopt scheduling policies and resource allocations for use in cell A
Z that are complimentary or concordant with the resource allocations and/or scheduling
policies adopted by base station 202
1 in its servicing or control over cell C
1. Thus, for example, base station 202
1 can decide that in order to meet or exceed the quality of service (QoS) targets for
a particular high priority flow in cell C
1 that the flow should be broadcast at a first frequency. Base station 202
Z in recognition of the high priority flow being dispatched in cell C
1 and base station 202
1's attempts to satisfy quality of service (QoS) targets associated with this high
priority flow, can decide that since the flows associated with cell A
Z do not rise to the same level of priority as those being carried out in cell C
1 to broadcast at a second non-interfering frequency. Thus, by base station 202
1 and base station 202
Z collaborating with one another via an inter cell interference indicator, mutually
agreeable non-interfering broadcast frequency patterns (e.g., C
1 broadcasting at a first frequency, and A
Z broadcasting at a second non-interfering frequency) interference avoidance can be
effectuated.
[0040] Moreover, such interference avoidance mechanisms as utilized by the claimed subject
matter can additionally provide indication of access terminal or user equipment location
with respect to or relative to neighboring base stations. For example, if user equipment
is currently associated with cells controlled or serviced by base station 202
1, the interference avoidance mechanisms adopted and/or effectuated by each of base
station 202
1 and/or base station 202
Z can provide relative location information regarding the whereabouts of user equipment
relative to each of base station 202
1 and/or base station 202
Z. Nevertheless it should be appreciated that implementation of avoidance mechanisms
on a general basis is typically not desirable for all user equipment, but can be expedient
for user equipment that is subject to interference (even marginal interference) from
neighboring base stations and cells under their control.
[0041] Turning now to
Fig. 3 that illustrates a system 300 that facilitates and/or effectuates quality of service
(QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations wherein
each of the plurality of base stations are in a proximate relationship with one another
such that each base station or one or more of the cells serviced or controlled by
the base station can cause interference to one or more cells associated with its neighbors
during the transmit and/or receive phase of operations. As depicted system 300 can
include first base station 302 and second base station 306 that can be in continuous
or intermittent communication via X2 channel 304. As stated above, the X2 channel
304 can provide a direct connection between first base station 302 and second base
station 306, wherein first base station 302 controls or services one or more cells
that are in a proximate relationship with one or more cells controlled or serviced
by second base station 306 such that the proximate relationship between one or more
of the cells controlled or serviced by first base station 302 causes inter cell interference
to one or more of the cells controlled or service by second base station 306, or the
proximate relationship between the one or more cells controlled or serviced by second
base station 306 causes interference to the one or more cells controlled or serviced
by first base station 302. As will be appreciated by those of moderate skill in this
field of endeavor, X2 channel 304 can be connected to respective X2 interfaces (not
depicted) associated with each of first base station 302 and second base station 306.
[0042] X2 channel 304, in accordance with aspects of the claimed subject matter, can be
employed to provide a signaling mechanism between first base station 302 and second
base station 306 to allow each of first base station 302 and second base station 306
to interchange state information about the one or more cells that they respectively
control or service, wherein the state information can relate to one or more cells
that are subject to a state of congestion and which is communicated in the form of
an inter cell interference coordination indicator. Additionally, X2 channel 304 can
also be employed to convey priority data (e.g., the current level of priority associated
with a flow as well as prospective levels of priority associated with future flows)
that can also be included in the inter cell coordination indicator communicated between
first base station 302 and second base station 306.
[0043] In order to provide the facilities and/or functionalities of the signaling mechanism
between first base station 302 and second base station 306 different implementation
strategies can be employed. In accordance with one strategy, a centralized mechanism
can be adopted wherein a single monolithic system wide entity coordinates resource
allocation and scheduling policies that are to be utilized by each first base station
302 and second base station 306 in order to mitigate or obviate cross cell interference
between cells controlled or serviced by each of first base station 302 and second
base station 306. An alternative and/or additional strategy, and one that better comports
with the underlying principles set forth by the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard,
is to employ a distributed or decentralized mechanism wherein each participating base
station (e.g., neighboring first base station 302 and/or second base station 306)
utilizes state and/or priority information included in inter cell interference coordination
indicators supplied/received via X2 channel 304 in order to ameliorate the effects
of interference between cells serviced or controlled by each of first base station
302 and/or second base station 306. As will be appreciated by those cognizant in this
field of endeavor, such a distributed or decentralized mechanism imbues each proximate
or neighboring base station and its associated cells in a peer-to-peer relationship
with one another wherein no single base station or cell necessarily has overall control
over the distributed or decentralized mechanism.
[0044] Accordingly and in light of the foregoing, first base station 302 can include scheduler
component 308 that can utilize one or more scheduling paradigms (e.g., first-come
first served, channel-dependent scheduling, round-robin, max-min fair scheduling,
proportionally fair scheduling, weighted fair queuing, maximum throughput, ...) to
ascertain how to share available radio resources to achieve as efficient a resource
utilization as possible in light of quality of service (QoS) targets associated with
one or more data flows that are being dispatched from one or more cells controlled
or serviced by first base station 302. Scheduler component 308 can further provide
indication as to the highest priority flow or Radio Bearer that is currently in congestion
within a cell controlled or serviced by first base station 302. A state of congestion
typically can occur within a cell when and if any one of the quality of service (QoS)
targets (e.g., delay, guaranteed bit rate, ...) for a congested flow is consistently
not being met. Thus, in addition to scheduling data flows to satisfy quality of service
(QoS) targets, scheduler component 308 can also provide congestion metrics associated
with those data flows that do not comport with their respective quality of service
(QoS) targets, and can, from these non complicit data flows, further identify the
highest priority data flows that, at any instant in time, are subject to the worst
congestion (e.g., the highest priority data flow that consistently does not satisfy
its own respective quality of service (QoS) target).
[0045] As is typical, scheduler component 308 can effectuate resource allocations that mitigate
or obviate cell interference between cells controlled or serviced by the same base
station. For instance, referring back to
Fig. 2, scheduler component 308 included in base station 202
1 can ensure that resource allocations within cells 204
1 (e.g., A
1, B
1, C
1, ...) controlled or serviced by base station 202
1 are complementary so that interference between cell A
1 and cells B
1 and C
1 is mitigated, interference between cell B
1 and cells A
1 and C
1 is mitigated, and/or interference between cell C
1 and cells A
1 and B
1 is similarly mitigated. Such mitigation or obviation of cell interference between
cells controlled or serviced by the same base station can be brought into effect by
scheduler component 308 taking into account the respective data flows and/or quality
of service (QoS) targets associated with such data flows and allocating resources
in such a manner that avoids conflicts between the cells controlled or serviced by
the same base station. For example, scheduler 308 can direct cell A
1 to utilize a first frequency to broadcast its data flow, can direct cell B
1 to employ a second frequency to broadcast its data flow, and direct cell C
1 to use a third frequency to broadcast its data flows so that each of the respective
data flows in cells A
1, B
1, and C
1 can satisfy their quality of service (QoS) targets.
[0046] Moreover, scheduler component 308 can also effectuate resource allocations that can
mitigate or obviate cell interference between cells controlled or serviced by different
but proximate or neighboring base stations (e.g., first base station 302 and second
base station 306). In this instance, scheduler component 308 in concert with inter
cell interference coordination component 310 can take measures to facilitate interference
avoidance based at least in part on information supplied/received from one or more
proximate base stations via X2 channel 304. For example, scheduler component 308,
based at least in part on the respective data flows and/or quality of service (QoS)
criteria associated with the cells controlled or serviced by the base station (e.g.,
first base station 302) in which scheduler component 308 is included and/or information
supplied/received from the one or more proximate base stations via the X2 channel
304, can adopt resource allocation strategies that facilitates interference avoidance
with cells controlled or serviced by neighboring base stations (e.g., second base
station 306). For instance, scheduler component 308 can ascertain that data flows
associated with cell C
1 controlled by first base station 302 are of a lower priority than data flows associated
with cell A
Z controlled by second base station 306. In recognition of the fact that the data flows
associated with cell C
1 are of a relatively lower priority than those being broadcast in cell A
Z, scheduler component 308 can modify the resource allocations in cell C
1 to allow cell A
Z to broadcast its higher priority traffic. One illustrative resource allocation scheme
that can be utilized by scheduler component 308 to facilitate the foregoing can be
to ensure that broadcast of the lower priority flows in cell C
1 is carried out at a non interfering frequency with regard to the frequency at which
cell A
Z is broadcasting its higher priority traffic. A further illustrative resource allocation
scheme that can be implemented by scheduler component 308 to ensure that broadcast
of the lower priority flows in cell C
1 controlled or serviced by first base station 302 does not interfere with the higher
priority flows in cell A
Z serviced or controlled by second base station 306, is for scheduler component 308
to direct cell C
1 to broadcast its lower priority data flows at a first power level while the higher
priority flows in cell A
Z controlled or serviced by second base station 306 are being broadcast at a second
power level, wherein the first power level and the second power level are non interfering
with one another.
[0047] As will be appreciated by those moderately conversant in this field of endeavor,
second base station 306 can also include a scheduler component that can be configured
and operable in a manner as that expounded upon in connection with scheduler component
308, and as such can provide reciprocal functionalities and/or facilities to those
elucidated above. Thus, the scheduler component included in second base station 306
can in conjunction with an inter cell interference coordination component also included
with second base station 306 can implement resource allocation schemes that are consonant
with the resource allocation schemes implemented by scheduler component 308 included
in first base station 302. For example, when scheduler component 308 included in first
base station 302 implements a resource allocation for low priority data flows being
broadcast by cell C
1, in recognition that data flows being broadcast by cell A
Z have a relatively higher priority, the scheduler component included in second base
station 306 can direct cell A
Z to broadcast its higher priority data flows using a different resource allocation
so as to avoid interference with the broadcast of the lower priority data flows being
broadcast by cell C
1. For instance, the scheduler component associated with second base station 306 can
direct cell A
Z to broadcast its higher data flows at a first power level on the understanding (e.g.,
communicated by first base station 302 to second base station 306 via X2 channel 304)
that scheduler 308 included with first base station 302 will direct cell C
1 to broadcast its lower priority data flows at a second power level. As will be apparent
to those reasonably cognizant in this field of endeavor, the first power level utilized
by cell A
Z to broadcast its higher priority data flows can be selected by the scheduler component
associated with second base station 306 so that the selected first power level does
not interfere with broadcast of the lower priority data flow by cell C
1 at the second power level selected by scheduler component 308 associated with first
base station 302.
[0048] As will be appreciated by those of reasonable cognition in this field, scheduler
component 308 in concert with, or based at least in part on, feedback or feed forward
from inter cell interference coordination component 310 can selectively utilize resource
blocks or power levels in preference to other resource blocks or power levels in order
to obviate or mitigate cross-cell interference wherein the cross-cell interference
is attributable to two or more cells controlled or serviced by different proximately
situated base stations such as first base station 302 and second base station 306.
Moreover, as will be further appreciated scheduler component 308 can effectuate pattern
coordination whereon each scheduler component included in participating base stations
can dynamically and over time gravitate to a mutually beneficial agreement as how
best to broadcast their highest priority congested data flows in cells controlled
by a first base station and subject to interference from cells controlled or serviced
by a second neighboring base station. By ensuring that there is mutual collaboration
between neighboring base stations regarding the broadcast of congested data flows
in cells subject to interference from other cells controlled or serviced by other
neighboring base stations, efficiency and throughput gains can be accrued.
[0049] Further, included in first base station 302 can be inter cell interference coordination
component 310 that can continuously and/or periodically monitor the activities partaken
by scheduling component 308 regarding the resource allocation mix utilized by scheduling
component 308 in servicing data flows in the various cells controlled by first base
station 302 in order for data flows to satisfy their respective quality of service
(QoS) targets. Inter cell interference coordination component 310 can also monitor
whether or not quality of service (QoS) targets for data flows within cells controlled
or serviced by first base station 302 are being met, and from this information can
determine or ascertain which of the cells are failing to satisfy their quality of
service (QoS) targets and therefore can be considered congested. Moreover, inter cell
interference coordination component 310 can also ascertain from these congested cells
which data flow has the highest priority.
[0050] Additionally, inter cell interference coordination component 310 can also provide
a conciliation aspect wherein input received or solicited from scheduler component
308 and information acquired or obtained (e.g., via X2 channel 304) from a plurality
of neighboring base stations can be employed to provide indication to scheduler component
308 of the respective priorities and/or congestion experienced by data flows in cells
controlled or serviced by the neighboring base stations. Scheduler component 308 can
utilize such information or input to modify the resource allocations in cells controlled
by the base station in which scheduler component 308 is included, where there are
conflicts with cells controlled or serviced by one or more neighboring base station.
For example, if it is ascertained from information received via X2 channel 304 that
cell A
Z controlled or serviced by second base station 306 is attempting to broadcast a high
priority data flow but is currently subject to congestion (e.g., the quality of service
(QoS) targets for the data flow in cell A
Z are consistently not being met), and it is further determined that the current resource
allocations provided by scheduler component 308 to cell C
1 controlled or serviced by first base station 302 in broadcasting its lower priority
data flow are inimical to the broadcast of the high priority data flow in cell A
Z, then inter cell interference coordination component 310 can direct scheduler component
308 to adjust its resource allocation mix for cell C
1 so that the higher priority data flow in cell A
Z controlled or serviced by second base station 306 is able to more closely adhere
to it associated quality of service (QoS) targets. It should be noted that when the
foregoing is implemented both the high priority data flow being broadcast from cell
A
Z and the relatively lower priority data flow being broadcast from cell C
1 can see benefit in that resource allocations implemented by each of the scheduler
components included in first base station 302 and second base station 306 respectively
can be complementary to one another. For instance, the scheduler component associated
with second base station 306 can selectively choose to broadcast the higher priority
data flow in cell A
Z at a first power level, whereas scheduler component 308 included with first base
station 302 can selectively choose to broadcast the lower priority data flow in cell
C
1 at a first frequency. In this manner, through mutual collaboration between first
base station 302 and second base station 306 and use of corresponding inter cell interference
coordination components, interference that was previously experienced by data flows
in cell A
Z and cell C
1 can be avoided or at the very least mitigated.
[0051] Furthermore, inter cell interference coordination component 310 can also include
a dispatch aspect that can construct an inter cell interference coordination indicator
that can subsequently be dispatched or disseminated over X2 channel 304 to one or
more neighboring base stations. The inter cell interference coordination indicator
can range from a single bit to a plurality of bits. Nevertheless, typically the number
of bits included in the inter cell interference coordination indicator constructed
by inter cell interference coordination component 310 is sufficient to convey one
priority level (e.g., the number of bits necessary to convey at least one 3GPP priority
level), but as will be appreciated the claimed subject matter is not necessarily so
limited. Moreover, the inter cell interference coordination indicator can be constructed
by inter cell interference coordination component 310 at any time when there is a
change in the highest priority level of a congested data flow or when the per-physical
resource block bit pattern is adjusted. Additionally, inter cell interference coordination
indicator construction can be triggered based at least in part on other considerations
not necessarily tied to quality of service (QoS) considerations.
[0052] As will be appreciated by those moderately cognizant in this field of endeavor, second
base station 306 can also be provisioned with a similar scheduler component 308 and
inter cell interference coordination component 310 which can operate in manners similar
to those elucidated above in connection with first base station 302. Moreover, it
should further be noted, without limitation or loss of generality, that the neighbor
relationship between first base station 302 and second base station 306 is typically
defined by the vendor specific implementation of the X2 channel hookups between the
base stations. Thus, for example, first base station 302 and second base station 306
can be a few meters from one another so much so that the cells (and the data flows
passing through such cells) controlled or serviced by each of first base station 302
and second base station 306 can be in common opposition to one another (e.g., there
is constant and/or persistent interference between cells controlled by first base
station 302 and second base station 306), or first base station 302 and second base
station 306 can be many kilometers apart such that data flows passing through cells
controlled or serviced by first base station 302 and second base station 306 can infrequently,
if ever, come into direct conflict with one another. Nevertheless, as will be appreciated
by those of moderate proficiency in this field of endeavor, interference coordination
and/or interference avoidance is typically focused on more proximate neighbors rather
than far neighbors, and one or more network measurements can be employed to differentiate
between far neighbors and more proximate and/or interfering neighbors.
[0053] Fig. 4 provides a more detailed depiction 400 of first base station 302, and more particularly
a more detailed depiction of inter cell interference coordination component 310. As
illustrated, inter cell interference component 310 can include monitor component 402
that can continuously and/or periodically monitor the scheduling activities of scheduler
component 308 to determine or ascertain the resource allocations made by scheduler
component 308 with respect to cells controlled or serviced by first base station 302
and whether or not quality of service (QoS) targets are being met in relation to data
flows passing through those cells associated with first base station 302. From this
information, monitor component 402 can ascertain whether or not data flows passing
through cells controlled or serviced by first base station 302 are satisfying their
respective quality of service (QoS) targets. Where monitor component 402 establishes
that one or more data flows traversing through one or more cells are failing to satisfy
their quality of service (QoS) targets, monitor component 402 can consider such a
finding as indication that the data flows in these cells are currently subject to
congestion. Moreover, monitor component 402 can also ascertain from each of these
congested cells the highest priority data flow within the congested cell that is subject
to such congestion.
[0054] Inter cell interference coordination component 310 can also include conciliation
component 404 that can utilize information provided by or solicited from monitor component
402, scheduler component 308, and/or information acquired or obtained via X2 channel
304 from one or more neighboring base stations (e.g., second base station 306) to
provide feedback or feed forward to scheduler component 308 of the respective priorities
and/or congestion being experience by data flows in cells associated with the one
or more neighboring base stations. The information supplied by conciliation component
404 to scheduler component 308 can be utilized by scheduler component 308 to modify
resource allocations in cells controlled or serviced by the base station (e.g., first
base station 302) in which scheduler component 308 is situated so that interference
between conflicting cells (e.g., cells controlled or serviced by first base station
302 and second base station 306) are more complementary with one another. For instance,
based at least in part on information received from conciliation component 404, scheduler
component 308 can effect resource allocations that do not conflict with resource allocations
that can have been effected by a scheduler component associated with a disparate neighboring
base station controlling cells that are in conflict with cells controlled or serviced
by first base station 302.
[0055] Additionally, inter cell interference coordination component 310 can also include
dispatch component 406 that can assemble an inter cell interference coordination indicator
that can be sent via X2 channel 304 to neighboring base stations. Dispatch component
406 can assemble or construct the inter cell interference coordination indicator as
a series of bits sufficient to indicate at least one priority level (e.g., the priority
level of the highest priority data flow subject to congestion in a particular cell
controlled or serviced by first base station 302). Dispatch component 406 can undertake
assembly and dispatch of the inter cell interference coordination indicator when there
is a change in the highest priority level of a congested data flow, or when the per-physical
block bit pattern is adjusted, for example. Further, dispatch component 406 can also
undertake construction and dissemination of inter cell interference coordination indicators
based on considerations other than considerations related to quality of service (QoS)
criteria. Once dispatch component 406 has constructed the inter cell interference
coordination indicator, it can send the inter cell interference coordination indicator
via the X2 channel to neighboring base stations, wherein the inter cell interference
coordination indicator can be utilized by similarly configured scheduler components
and/or inter cell interference coordination components associated or included with
the neighboring base stations.
[0056] Referring to
Figs. 5-7, methodologies relating to effectuating quality of service (QoS) differentiation
and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations in a wireless communication
environment are illustrated. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
methodologies are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood
and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some
acts can, in accordance with one or more embodiments, occur in different orders and/or
concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those
skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively
be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram.
Moreover, not all illustrated acts can be required to implement a methodology in accordance
with one or more embodiments.
[0057] With reference to
Fig. 5, illustrated therein is a methodology 500 that effectuates quality of service (QoS)
differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations in accordance
with an aspect of the claimed subject matter. Methodology 500 can commence at 502
where current resource allocations to one or more cells controlled by a base station
can be obtained wherein the resource allocations have been made based at least in
part on quality of service (QoS) metrics associated with data flows traversing through
the one or more cells controlled by the base station. At 504 methodology 500 can ascertain
whether current and/or prospective quality of service (QoS) requirements/targets are
being, or can be, met by the current resource allocations. Where at 504 if it is observed
that quality of service (QoS) requirements/targets for data flows passing through
the one or more cells is not being met a state of congestion can be noted for those
data flows and further an ordering can be carried out so that the highest priority
data flow can be identified. At 506 the current and prospective quality of service
(QoS) targets/requirements, resource allocations, and/or highest identified priority
data flow under congestion can be dispatched to neighboring base stations (e.g., via
an X2 channel) as a bit or series of bits in an inter cell interference coordination
indicator.
[0058] Fig. 6 illustrates a further methodology 600 that facilitates and/or effectuates quality
of service (QoS) differentiation and/or prioritization across a plurality of base
stations in accordance with an aspect of the claimed subject matter. Methodology 600
can commence at 602 where quality of service (QoS) metrics, resource allocations,
and other pertinent information related to the highest identified priority data flow
that is in a state of congestion in a particular cell controlled by a neighboring
base station can be received. At 604 the information received at 602 can be utilized
(e.g., directed to a scheduling aspect/component) to adjust the resource allocation
mix to one or more cells controlled or serviced by the receiving base station, and
in particular, the resource allocation mix can be adjusted so as to ensure that the
highest priority data flow under congestion in a cell associated with or controlled
by a neighboring base is able to satisfy its quality of service (QoS) target. At 606
the current resource allocation mix, the quality of service (QoS) metrics, and/or
highest identified priority data flow under congestion in one or more cells controlled
or serviced by the receiving base station can be disseminated to neighboring base
stations as a bit, or series of bits, in an inter cell interference coordination indicator.
[0059] Fig. 7 illustrates another methodology 700 that effectuates quality of service (QoS) differentiation
and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations in accordance with an aspect
of the claimed subject matter. Methodology 700 can commence at 702 where quality of
service (QoS) metrics, resource allocations, and information pertaining to the highest
identified priority flow that is in a state of congestion in a particular cell controlled
or serviced by a neighboring base station can be received. It should be noted without
limitation or loss of generality, that in the information received at 702 can be received
by way of an inter cell interference coordination indicator (e.g., as a bit or series
of bits sufficient to convey at least the highest priority data flow that is in a
state of congestion). At 704 quality of service (QoS) metrics and resource allocations
that have been made in furtherance meeting quality of service (QoS) targets for particular
data flows in one or more cells controlled or serviced by the receiving base station
can be obtained from the scheduler. At 706 the quality of service (QoS) metrics, resource
allocations, and information relating to the highest identified priority flow that
is in a state of congestion in a particular cell controlled or serviced by neighboring
base stations, as well as resource allocations, quality of service (QoS) metrics,
and information relating to the highest identified priority flow that is in a state
of congestion in cells controlled or serviced by the receiving base station can be
utilized to direct a scheduler associated with the receiving base station to adjust
the current resource allocation mix so that at least one of the highest identified
priority data flow that is in a state of congestion in cells controlled or serviced
by the receiving base station or the highest identified priority data flow that is
in a state of congestion in cells controlled or serviced by one or more of the neighboring
base stations is able to satisfy its quality of service targets. At 708 the re-adjusted
resource allocation mix effectuated by the scheduler associated with the receiving
base station, the highest identified priority data flow that is currently in a state
of congestion in cells controlled by the receiving base station, and/or the quality
of service (QoS) metrics associated with the various data flows traversing through
cells controlled or serviced by the receiving base station can be disseminated, via
a X2 channel/interface couplet, to neighboring base stations as a inter cell interference
coordination indicator (e.g., as a bit or series of bits that at least conveys to
the neighboring base station the highest priority data flow that is in a state of
congestion in the receiving base station - the base station on which methodology 700
is running).
[0060] It will be appreciated that, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein,
inferences can be made regarding selecting or choosing appropriate resource allocation
mixes in light of congested data flows traversing through cells controlled by a local
base station and/or a proximate or neighboring remote base station. As used herein,
the term to "infer" or "inference" refers generally to the process of reasoning about
or inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations
as captured
via events and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action,
or can generate a probability distribution over states, for example. The inference
can be probabilistic-that is, the computation of a probability distribution over states
of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer
to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or
data. Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set
of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are correlated
in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one or several
event and data sources.
[0061] Fig. 8 is an illustration of a system 800 that facilitates transmitting circuit switched
voice over packet switched networks. System 800 comprises a base station 302
(e.g., access point, ...) with a receiver 808 that receives signal(s) from one or more access
terminals 802 through a plurality of receive antennas 804, and a transmitter 820 that
transmits to the one or more access terminals 802 through a transmit antenna 806.
Receiver 808 can receive information from receive antennas 804 and is operatively
associated with a demodulator 810 that demodulates received information. Demodulated
symbols are analyzed by a processor 812 dedicated to analyzing information received
by receiver 808 and/or generating information for transmission by a transmitter 820,
a processor that controls one or more components of base station 302, and/or which
is coupled to a memory 814 that stores data to be transmitted to or received from
access terminal(s) 802 (or a disparate base station (not shown)) and/or any other
suitable information related to performing the various actions and functions set forth
herein. Processor 812 is further coupled to a inter cell interference coordination
component 816 that facilitate transmission of inter cell interference coordination
indicators over packet switched networks. Further, inter cell interference coordination
component 816 can provide information to be transmitted to a modulator 818. Modulator
818 can multiplex a frame for transmission by a transmitter 820 through antennas 806
to access terminal(s) 802. Although depicted as being separate from the processor
812, it is to be appreciated that inter cell interference coordination component 816
and/or modulator 818 can be part of processor 812 or a number of processors (not shown).
[0062] Fig. 9 shows an example wireless communication system 900. The wireless communication system
900 depicts one base station 910 and one access terminal 950 for sake of brevity.
However, it is to be appreciated that system 900 can include more than one base station
and/or more than one access terminal, wherein additional base stations and/or access
terminals can be substantially similar or different from example base station 910
and access terminal 950 described below. In addition, it is to be appreciated that
base station 910 and/or access terminal 950 can employ the systems (
Figs. 1-4) and/or methods (
Figs. 5-7) described herein to facilitate wireless communication there between.
[0063] At base station 910, traffic data for a number of data streams is provided from a
data source 912 to a transmit (TX) data processor 914. According to an example, each
data stream can be transmitted over a respective antenna. TX data processor 914 formats,
codes, and interleaves the traffic data stream based on a particular coding scheme
selected for that data stream to provide coded data.
[0064] The coded data for each data stream can be multiplexed with pilot data using orthogonal
frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) techniques. Additionally or alternatively,
the pilot symbols can be frequency division multiplexed (FDM), time division multiplexed
(TDM), or code division multiplexed (CDM). The pilot data is typically a known data
pattern that is processed in a known manner and can be used at access terminal 950
to estimate channel response. The multiplexed pilot and coded data for each data stream
can be modulated (
e.
g., symbol mapped) based on a particular modulation scheme (
e.
g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift
keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM),
etc.) selected for that data stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding,
and modulation for each data stream can be determined by instructions performed or
provided by processor 930.
[0065] The modulation symbols for the data streams can be provided to a TX MIMO processor
920, which can further process the modulation symbols (
e.
g., for OFDM). TX MIMO processor 920 then provides
NT modulation symbol streams to
NT transmitters (TMTR) 922a through 922t. In various embodiments, TX MIMO processor
920 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams and to the antenna
from which the symbol is being transmitted.
[0066] Each transmitter 922 receives and processes a respective symbol stream to provide
one or more analog signals, and further conditions (
e.
g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to provide a modulated signal
suitable for transmission over the MIMO channel. Further,
NT modulated signals from transmitters 922a through 922t are transmitted from
NT antennas 924a through 924t, respectively.
[0067] At access terminal 950, the transmitted modulated signals are received by
NR antennas 952a through 952r and the received signal from each antenna 952 is provided
to a respective receiver (RCVR) 954a through 954r. Each receiver 954 conditions (e.g.,
filters, amplifies, and downconverts) a respective signal, digitizes the conditioned
signal to provide samples, and further processes the samples to provide a corresponding
"received" symbol stream.
[0068] An RX data processor 960 can receive and process the
NR received symbol streams from
NR receivers 954 based on a particular receiver processing technique to provide
NT "detected" symbol streams. RX data processor 960 can demodulate, deinterleave, and
decode each detected symbol stream to recover the traffic data for the data stream.
The processing by RX data processor 960 is complementary to that performed by TX MIMO
processor 920 and TX data processor 914 at base station 910.
[0069] A processor 970 can periodically determine which available technology to utilize
as discussed above. Further, processor 970 can formulate a reverse link message comprising
a matrix index portion and a rank value portion.
[0070] The reverse link message can comprise various types of information regarding the
communication link and/or the received data stream. The reverse link message can be
processed by a TX data processor 938, which also receives traffic data for a number
of data streams from a data source 936, modulated by a modulator 980, conditioned
by transmitters 954a through 954r, and transmitted back to base station 910.
[0071] At base station 910, the modulated signals from access terminal 950 are received
by antennas 924, conditioned by receivers 922, demodulated by a demodulator 940, and
processed by a RX data processor 942 to extract the reverse link message transmitted
by access terminal 950. Further, processor 930 can process the extracted message to
determine which precoding matrix to use for determining the beamforming weights.
[0072] Processors 930 and 970 can direct (
e.g., control, coordinate, manage,
etc.) operation at base station 910 and access terminal 950, respectively. Respective
processors 930 and 970 can be associated with memory 932 and 972 that store program
codes and data. Processors 930 and 970 can also perform computations to derive frequency
and impulse response estimates for the uplink and downlink, respectively.
[0073] In an aspect, logical channels are classified into Control Channels and Traffic Channels.
Logical Control Channels can include a Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH), which is
a DL channel for broadcasting system control information. Further, Logical Control
Channels can include a Paging Control Channel (PCCH), which is a DL channel that transfers
paging information. Moreover, the Logical Control Channels can comprise a Multicast
Control Channel (MCCH), which is a Point-to-multipoint DL channel used for transmitting
Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) scheduling and control information
for one or several MTCHs. Generally, after establishing a Radio Resource Control (RRC)
connection, this channel is only used by UEs that receive MBMS (
e.g., old MCCH+MSCH). Additionally, the Logical Control Channels can include a Dedicated
Control Channel (DCCH), which is a Point-to-point bi-directional channel that transmits
dedicated control information and can be used by UEs having a RRC connection. In an
aspect, the Logical Traffic Channels can comprise a Dedicated Traffic Channel (DTCH),
which is a Point-to-point bi-directional channel dedicated to one UE for the transfer
of user information. Also, the Logical Traffic Channels can include a Multicast Traffic
Channel (MTCH) for Point-to-multipoint DL channel for transmitting traffic data.
[0074] In an aspect, Transport Channels are classified into DL and UL. DL Transport Channels
comprise a Broadcast Channel (BCH), a Downlink Shared Data Channel (DL-SDCH) and a
Paging Channel (PCH). The PCH can support UE power saving (
e.
g., Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle can be indicated by the network to the UE,
...) by being broadcasted over an entire cell and being mapped to Physical layer (PHY)
resources that can be used for other control/traffic channels. The UL Transport Channels
can comprise a Random Access Channel (RACH), a Request Channel (REQCH), a Uplink Shared
Data Channel (UL-SDCH) and a plurality of PHY channels.
[0075] The PHY channels can include a set of DL channels and UL channels. For example, the
DL PHY channels can include: Common Pilot Channel (CPICH); Synchronization Channel
(SCH); Common Control Channel (CCCH); Shared DL Control Channel (SDCCH); Multicast
Control Channel (MCCH); Shared UL Assignment Channel (SUACH); Acknowledgement Channel
(ACKCH); DL Physical Shared Data Channel (DL-PSDCH); UL Power Control Channel (UPCCH);
Paging Indicator Channel (PICH); and/or Load Indicator Channel (LICH). By way of further
illustration, the UL PHY Channels can include: Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH);
Channel Quality Indicator Channel (CQICH); Acknowledgement Channel (ACKCH); Antenna
Subset Indicator Channel (ASICH); Shared Request Channel (SREQCH); UL Physical Shared
Data Channel (UL-PSDCH); and/or Broadband Pilot Channel (BPICH).
[0076] It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in
hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. For
a hardware implementation, the processing units can be implemented within one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs),
digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors,
other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination
thereof.
[0077] When the embodiments are implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode,
program code or code segments, they can be stored in a machine-readable medium, such
as a storage component. A code segment can represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram,
a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any
combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment
can be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving
information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments,
parameters, data,
etc. can be passed, forwarded, or transmitted using any suitable means including memory
sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission,
etc.
[0078] For a software implementation, the techniques described herein can be implemented
with modules (
e.
g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein.
The software codes can be stored in memory units and executed by processors. The memory
unit can be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which
case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means as is known
in the art.
[0079] With reference to
Fig. 10, illustrated is a system 1000 that effectuates quality of service (QoS) differentiation
and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations in a wireless communication
environment. For example, system 1000 can reside at least partially within a base
station. It is to be appreciated that system 1000 is represented as including functional
blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor,
software, or combination thereof (
e.
g., firmware). System 1000 includes a logical grouping 1002 of electrical components
that can act in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1002 can include an electrical
component for obtaining or soliciting current scheduling resource allocations that
have been made based at least in part on quality of service (QoS) metrics associated
with data flows traversing through associated cells 1004. Further, logical grouping
1002 can include an electrical component for ascertaining whether current and/or prospective
quality of service (QoS) targets within the associated cells are being satisfied or
met 1006. Moreover, logical grouping 1002 can comprise an electrical component for
dispatching current and prospective quality of service (QoS) requirements, resource
allocations, and the highest identified congested priority data flow to neighboring
base stations via an inter cell interference coordination indicator 1008. For example,
the indication can be transferred over a control channel (
e.
g., Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), X2 channel, ...). Additionally, system
1000 can include a memory 1010 that retains instructions for executing functions associated
with electrical components 1004, 1006, and 1008. While shown as being external to
memory 1010, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1004,
1006, and 1008 can exist within memory 1010.
[0080] With reference to
Fig. 11, illustrated is a system 1100 that effectuates quality of service (QoS) differentiation
and/or prioritization across a plurality of base stations in a wireless communication
environment. For example, system 1100 can reside at least partially within a base
station. It is to be appreciated that system 1100 is represented as including functional
blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor,
software, or combination thereof (
e.
g., firmware). System 1100 includes a logical grouping 1102 of electrical components
that can act in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1102 can include an electrical
component for receiving QoS metrics, resource allocations, and/or information related
to the highest identified priority data flows that are in a state of congestion in
a cell controlled by a neighboring base station 1104. Further, logical grouping 1102
can include an electrical component for adjusting resource allocations to one or more
cells controlled by the local or receiving base station 1106. Moreover, logical grouping
1102 can comprise an electrical component for disseminating current resource allocation
mix, the quality of service (QoS) metrics, and/or the highest identified congested
data flow within the receiving or local base station to neighboring base stations
via an inter cell interference coordination indicator 1108. For example, the indication
can be transferred over a control channel (e.g., Physical Downlink Control Channel
(PDCCH), X2 channel, ...). Additionally, system 1100 can include a memory 1110 that
retains instructions for executing functions associated with electrical components
1104, 1106, and 1108. While shown as being external to memory 1110, it is to be understood
that one or more of electrical components 1104, 1106, and 1108 can exist within memory
1110.